STAFF from a hospital ward caring for cancer patients will walk more than 26 miles for charity.

A group from the Fortuneswell Ward at Dorset County Hospital have signed up to this year’s MoonWalk challenge, which takes place next month.

The event is organised by Walk the Walk, one of the largest grant making breast cancer charities in the UK.

Staff nurse Victoria Taylor said: “I completed the challenged four years ago and it was the most amazing experience. 

"I approached the team on the Fortuneswell Ward six months ago and asked if anyone would like to take part."

Seven members of staff and a friend of Victoria’s agreed to take on the challenge.

This includes Karen Lee Howes, Sarah Burrows, Jenna Woodland, Megan Elford, Vanessa Laming, Bev Martin, Nina Fraser and Nadine Read.

Victoria said: "We have been meeting up and walking between eight and 16 miles around Weymouth and surrounding areas.

"It's been tough but we are all very determined and we're sure the atmosphere of the 15,000 people taking part will carry us to the finish line.

"With team spirit we hope to complete it between seven and eight hours."

For every Walk the Walk challenge organised, participants are sent a bra to decorate to wear during the event.

Building on this year’s carnival theme, Victoria suggested they would use Rio, Brazil, as an influence.

Sarah Burrows, a senior sister, said: “A couple of years ago I was going to do it but I broke my rib falling off my bike.”

The event, which takes place on May 14, will start at Clapham Common and see participants walking past a number of London landmarks.

The girls will be walking in the last group and need to be at the starting line for 11pm.

Describing one of her training exercises, Karen Lee Howes said: “I drove to Portland, had lunch and walked to Asda and back. That was eight miles.”

Walk the Walk grants funds to other charities and organisations so they can reach their targets.

Karen said: “We have had a lot of support from our patients and our other colleagues.”

Victoria revealed a sponsorship form at work had already raised £170.

The Fortuneswell Ward is a 14-bed adult inpatient ward, caring for patients who have cancer and malignant haematology disease.

Victoria said the group was looking to raise at least £500.

She said: "We are so very grateful for the continuing sponsorship and support from our patients, their families and our colleagues for what is an amazing charity, which is very close to our hearts."

On behalf of those taking part, Victoria said the team were grateful to those who would be working in the Fortuneswell Ward unit whilst they were in London.

For more information on how you can support the team and Walk the Walk, please visit moonwalklondon2016.everydayhero.com/uk/fancy-fortunes